We are constantly working to build relationships in the state legislature . Relationships lead to coalitions and coalitions lead to legislative victories . Those victories generate positive changes to how dentistry is practiced in Pennsylvania , a direct benefit to you , your patients and your profession .
One of the best ways to create and maintain relationships is to offer to be a resource for your state representative and your state senator . If you ’ re not sure who they are , please type in your home address ( where you vote ) on the Find Your Legislator page of the General Assembly website .
When you offer to be a resource to them you are helping them . That ’ s always appreciated . It really doesn ’ t take much time and you can meet with them in their district office . You are creating a relationship in which both parties help each other .
Another way to help yourself is by contributing to PAPAC .
When you contribute to PADPAC you are joining your voice with your dental colleagues and educating state legislators about something that ’ s a problem and how it can be fixed . One of the main reasons dentists join PDA is for the outstanding advocacy we provide . But in order to be effective advocates we need a strong PAC to support legislators who support dentistry and the patients you treat .
Dentists are invariably rated among the most ethical professionals . We need to showcase that hard earned respect to tell your side of the story . Why are your issues important to the people of Pennsylvania and the General Assembly ? When you contribute to PADPAC you are investing in your patients , your profession and your peers .
In order to compete with the insurance lobbyists , one of the most formidable opponents in Pennsylvania politics , we need hard dollars to support elected officials who believe in you and support you . If you don ’ t want to make a lump sum contribution you can make monthly contributions which may be easier or more convenient for you . The day-to-day impact on you is pretty minimal but the end of the year total contribution to PADPAC is a major help in moving your agenda forward . You contributing makes a big difference in strengthening your PAC and allowing us to have greater access and more decisive input .
In order to better compete and encourage younger dentists to get involved , PDA President Dr . Nancy Rosenthal has created a New Dentist contribution level . She believes that if new dentists understand that their help is vital to the success of our PAC and the success of organized dentistry , we will be stronger for it . New dentists are building the world they will practice in for years to come . If each new dentist would contribute to our PAC , we can truly make your advocacy goals into concrete reality . That will benefit all patients and all dentists . Dr . Rosenthal is asking each new dentist to contribute at least $ 60 per year to PADPAC . More is better , but every little bit helps . Anything you can contribute makes a difference . You ’ ve devoted yourself to caring for others . Help us to care for you and your profession .
Please pay with your personal check or credit card because if you pay via a corporate card or check it limits PDA ’ s strategic flexibility .
The legislative competition will go on whether we play or not . It is an absolute truth of politics that you are either at the table or on the menu . The decision to act is yours .
Here are the club levels for 2023 : President ’ s Club $ 2,500 + Liberty Club $ 1,000 - $ 2,499 Capitol Club $ 500 - $ 999 Keystone Club $ 150 - $ 499 Century Club $ 120 - $ 149 New dentist $ 60 ( practicing 10 years or less ) Dental Students $ 5
If you have any questions about making a contribution to PADPAC , please contact John Basial at jpb @ padental . org or ( 800 ) 223-0016 , ext . 108 . You can also contribute online by visiting padental . org / padpac .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 11